She is survived by four children, Catherine Rodrigues and her husband Kenneth of Dartmouth, Daniel Mendonca and his wife Thelma of Newport News, Virginia, Deborah Freitas and her husband David of Swansea and Christine Nardelli and Mark of Westport; six grandchildren: David and Joshua Freitas, Christopher and Cassie Rodrigues, Julia Nardelli-Gross and Mark Nardelli, Michael and Matthew Mendonca; five great-grandchildren: Dillon Freitas, Jackson and Zoe Rodrigues, Josephine and Wilder Nardelli-Gross; and her very close and long-time, best friend, Ana Viveiros of Fall River.
Born in Table Grove Illinois, daughter of the late Russell and Verna (Cameron) Trotter, she was the sister of the late James and Paul Trotter, and Norma Jean Hammond.
Eloise grew up on a farm where she gained an appreciation for the simple things in life and a strong work ethic that she carried with her throughout her life. She attended Western University, majoring in Chemistry. After graduating, Eloise had the unique experience of teaching children in grades one through eight in a small, one-room school house, and later worked as a chemist which brought her to Fall River where she met her late husband, Daniel Mendonca.
Eloise lived in Fall River, then Swansea, since 1951. For over 60 years, she enjoyed working in the retail industry, for Bradlees and then Target. In fact, she was one of the first female managers for Bradlees in the Northeast Region (and known fondly as “Mrs. B”). In both companies, she was highly-esteemed and well-known for her extreme dedication, organization, unparalleled work ethic, and her fairness to all.
As a Daughter of the American Revolution, she enjoyed researching her family genealogy and sharing stories from her childhood and past generations. One of her favorite stories was how one of the Trotters was
the youngest Pony Express riders who rode with Wild Bill Cody. She also enjoyed traveling with her friends and family, particularly spending time in Ogunquit ME (and shopping for bargains at the Kittery Outlets!). One of her favorite trips was to see Celine Dion in Las Vegas where she also visited the Grand Canyon, and of course, her family trips to Disney World.
Visiting hours will be at the Waring-Sullivan Funeral Home in Swansea on Monday, May 28, 5:00 to 8:00 PM. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at 9:00 AM, also at the Waring-Sullivan Funeral Home. The burial will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery on Gardners Neck Road, also in Swansea. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her honor may be made to Southcoast VNA, Attn: Community Affairs, 200 Mill Road, Fairhaven, MA 02719.
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Southcoast VNACommunity Affairs, Fairhaven, MA 02719
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